Yonatan Cohen’s goal at the AEK Arena in Larnaca earned Maccabi a 1-1 draw in last week’s Conference League 3rd qualifying round first leg as he now faced the media ahead of the return leg: “The match in Larnaca was positive as we created loads of chances against a team that mostly defended” Cohen said. “At such European matches if you don’t score you get punished and end up. The match could have easily turned on its head if not for the penalty save of Daniel Peretz who kept us alive. I am sure that with a packed Bloomfield stadium and with the support of our fans, there is no reason why will not complete the task. We will come humble yet determined and hope we will do it.”
Cohen, whose second half goal in Cyprus was his second in four competitive matches this season, sport about the start of this campaign: “Both the team and myself began the season on a high note, but we still have some tasks to complete. Clearly, last season wasn’t what I expected it to be but a footballer’s career can lead you to various directions and one must always be prepared to deal with failure or success. I am happy that I managed to deal with it in a good way and move on, as nothing is over.”
On his relationship with his new coach, Robbie Keane, Cohen added: “We have had some conversations, Before a player and a coach he is also an amazing person who speaks with me at eye level. We have a good chemistry, had some good conversations which is something I really appreciate and I really love his high demands. He expects me to improve all the time and he demands a lot both from me and the entire team. I think that we will all improve, and on a personal note – I must as well, so that I prove that my place is on the pitch.”
Cohen, who spent a couple of week’s this summer together with his wife as guest at Eran Zahavi’s house, spoke of the bond he struck off the pitch with the veteran striker: “In short, we met several years ago whilst on national team duty. I think we clicked immediately. We bonded and remained in touch despite playing for different clubs. We had many conversations last season and he helped persuading me to return and promised ‘I will help you and you will do well’. The bond we have is very solid, we are close friends off the pitch, our wives are good friends as well. We all had a holiday together in the summer and as my wife and I moved out of our flat and were considering to move in with a parents for a fortnight – they invited to host us. I would like to thank Shai and Eran as we are all close friends. Our target though is to win the championship back to Maccabi, win more titles but first and foremost secure qualification to the group stages and that begins against Larnaca at Bloomfield.”
